Quick results seem tempting, but they are not always sustainable, especially when it comes to losing weight. With crash diets promising miraculous results overnight, it can be easy to lose sight of the harmful impact these fad diets can have on eating habits, body image, and overall health. Some diets that are geared towards benefitting people with certain health conditions do help them manage their well-being, but everybody is unique, and the same approach may not work for everyone. If you are looking to lose weight, restrictive dieting isn't always the answer.

 

Exercise is necessary for maintaining our physical and mental health, and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to many health complications. But the idea that the more or harder you exercise, the bigger the weight loss results are—this is being challenged by a growing body of evidence. While exercise does contribute to calorie burning, and high-intensity workout regimens can be suitable for certain people, not everyone responds to the same formula.

 

A 2001 review published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise presented that while short-term studies showed a positive relationship between weight loss through exercise and reduction in total fat, in the long term, there was no such connection observed. For individuals dealing with health conditions such as PCOS, extremely high-intensity exercise may be counterproductive, as raised cortisol levels and stress can make it harder to lose weight. Going slower also ensures better chances of being consistent with workouts for beginners. Yoga, for example, can reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote mindfulness, all of which can help with weight loss.

 

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So here's the deal—focusing just on intense exercising or on restrictive dieting won't give you the results you are looking for in the long term, and is not a sustainable way to go about fitness. Taking time to develop healthy habits that bring together proper nutrition, suitable exercise, and wholesome lifestyle practices in harmony can be much better for your fitness goals. Opting for a balanced diet that caters to your body's specific needs, getting enough sleep and hydration, and moderate exercising can serve you better in your weight loss journey.

 

Remember that it is important to consult your doctor and other relevant professionals before making any major lifestyle changes.

 

 

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